Visiting Popradské pleso glacial lake in the High Tatras, Slovakia

High Tatras National Park is filled with amazing places and one of the most iconic is that of Popradské pleso glacial lake. As you might expect it is also one of the most popular places to visit in the High Tatras.

About Popradske pleso

Located at an altitude of 1494 meters above sea level Popradské pleso lies in the Mengusovská Valley (Mengusovská dolina). The glacial lake covers an area of less than 70,000 square meters and its maximum depth is 17 meters.

It was created by the activity of the glacier and it is the 5th largest glacial lake in the High Tatras mountains (just after Veľké Hincovo pleso, Štrbské pleso, Nižné Temnosmrečinské pleso, Vyšné Bielovodské Žabie pleso).

A way to Popradske pleso glacial lake, High Tatras, Slovakia

There are also two mountain cottages at the shores of Popradske pleso lake that serves now as a hotel and restaurant. It is considered to be one of the best-situated hotels in the High Tatras mountains. I already wrote an article about Unique hotels in the High Tatras National Park here.

The Symbolic Cemetery lies at the opposite side of the lake, which is dedicated to the victims of the High Tatras. You’ll see it during an easy walk around the lake.

The Symbolic Cemetery, Popradske pleso glacial lake, Slovakia

If you are more experienced hiker then you must climb up to the adjacent peak known as Ostrva (1984m). The hike is worthy but is not an easy one. You’ll need to overcome more than 500 meters of elevation on the 2,5km long trip.

However, from the top (but also already from the path) you will be pampered with stunning views of the whole valley and the iconic Popradske pleso lake with cottages and high peaks around.

Popradske pleso glacial lake with Ostrva peak, Slovakia

Book a room in one of the best situated hotels in Slovakia

Mountain hotel Popradske pleso is one of the best-situated hotels not only in High Tatras mountains but also in the whole of Slovakia! It is a dream to stay overnight here so why not to live your dream now?

You’ll never forget this experience! Maybe it’s not the most luxurious, maybe the service is not the best, there is no wellness waiting for you, but the location is what makes a night in the hotel really unique and unforgettable! Click here to Book a room now!

How to get to Popradské pleso

There are more options on how to get to Popradské pleso (one even from Poland through Rysy peak, but that is really very long and demanding one). Let’s have a look on two most popular and shortest hiking paths:

Hiking to Popradske pleso from Strbske pleso

Even more popular place in the High Tatras National Park, Strbske pleso, serves as a holiday resort and starting point to many popular destinations within High Tatras mountains.

Popradské pleso is on the red marked hiking path leading through the forest up to the lake. It is 4,4km long easy walk suitable even for families with young children. One way trip takes not more than 2 hours. Check out the map here: https://mapy.cz/s/1Hc7l

River at the way to Popradske pleso glacial lake, High Tatras, Slovakia

Easy walk via asphalt road from Popradske pleso tram station

For those who prefer asphalt surface, or are just coming by bike, or with a stroller, there is one way to use which starts at the Popradske pleso tram station. It is even shorter (4km) and takes only an hour and a half (one way).

And there is a new asphalt cover on the whole road. Cars are limited but we met several on our way. From the tram station follow blue hiking path: https://mapy.cz/s/1Hcm6

A way to Popradske pleso glacial lake, High Tatras, Slovakia

A visit to Popradské pleso is also suitable for disabled tourists and families with children, especially thanks to the asphalt road. If you like mountains and looking for a place full of peace, quietness and beautiful nature, you’ll surely love Popradské pleso glacial lake!

Especially outside of weekend. We visited Popradske pleso last Monday (May 29,2017) and we met just a few people on the way. However, on our previous trip on a Sunday in August 2016 the road was overcrowded. So make sure to visit Popradske pleso on Monday! 🙂